The Media Council of Malawi held its Elective General Assembly on 12th January 2024 at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe. The purpose of the General Assembly was to elect a new Board of Trustees, review and adopt the MCM Progress Report and Financial Report since its resuscitation in 2020, as well as Strategic Plan and Annual Work Plan for 2024. This report aims to provide an overview of the election results, the report presented and the resolutions made during the General Assembly.
The Media Council of Malawi extends sincere appreciation to all members and delegates who attended this critical event, pivotal moment and crucial milestone in shaping the trajectory of the media landscape in Malawi.
Election Results
During the General Assembly, the election of a new Board of Trustees took place. MCM extends its gratitude to MISA Malawi for facilitating a transparent election process; and we are pleased to announce the election results as follows:
Board Chairperson: Dr. Jolly Maxwell Ntaba
Other member institutions: Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, Times Media Group, Angaliba Radio & TV, Trans World Radio, Bembeke Community Radio, AfricaBrief Online, Directorate of Information (Ex-Officio), Public Affairs Committee, Malawi Law Society, and Council for Non-Governmental Organizations (CONGOMA).
We congratulate the newly elected officials, and we trust in their ability to lead the Media Council effectively with integrity and vision.
Report Presentation
A comprehensive report was presented during the General Assembly, highlighting the Council’s activities, achievements, challenges faced, and the financial status including recent audit highlights.
Resolutions
Based on the discussions and feedback received, the following resolutions were made during the General Assembly:
- Legislation of the Council: The assembly unanimously resolved to pursue legislation of the Media Council of Malawi to strengthen its mandate and authority in regulating the media industry, recognizing the importance of a solid legal framework to govern media self-regulation.
- Revised Membership and Accreditation Fees: The General Assembly approved the revision of membership and accreditation fees to ensure sustainability and enhance the Council’s operations. The new fee structure will be communicated to all media organizations and individuals seeking membership or accreditation respectively.
- Approved Annual Work Plan: The General Assembly approved the Council’s annual work plan, which outlines key activities, events, and initiatives for the upcoming year. The work plan aligns with the Council’s objectives to promote media professionalism, freedom of expression, and media development in Malawi.
- Implementation of Resource Mobilization Strategy: The assembly supported the implementation of a resource mobilization strategy to diversify the Council’s funding sources and enhance its financial sustainability. A resource mobilization strategy was developed by the Secretariat and approved by the outgoing Board of Trustees in December 2023 to explore diverse funding sources and partnerships. This strategy aims to secure sustainable funding for the Council’s activities and initiatives, reducing dependence on limited resources.
Way Forward
The Media Council of Malawi is committed to implementing the resolutions made during the Elective General Assembly. This includes initiating the legislative process, implementing revised fees, executing the approved work plan, and actively engaging with stakeholders to enhance the media environment.
The Media Council of Malawi remains steadfast in its dedication to fostering a vibrant, responsible, and thriving media sector. We look forward to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to implement these resolutions and elevate the standards of journalism in our nation. The Council is confident that these measures will contribute to the continued growth and effectiveness of the Council in fulfilling its mission to promote responsible and professional media in Malawi.
For any inquiries or clarifications, please contact the MCM Executive Director.
Signed:
Moses Kaufa Cell: +265999558052/ +265888877999
Executive Director Email: ed@mediacouncil-mw.org
Media Council of Malawi Website: www.mediacouncil-mw.org
